Here's what Jackson had to say.
What made you get into track and field in the first place and what
does this sport mean to you?
My
parents signed me up for a KYA summer program when I was in fifth grade because
they thought I was fast.My eighth grade
year my best friend encouraged me to come out for high school track, so I did.Those were the beginnings. This sport has
given me a way to express myself through new friendships, competition, and as
an outlet for when life wasn't always the best.
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My
most memorable meet from high school was last year at the Austin-East
Roadrunner Invitational. I felt no pressure and was able to go out and run without
worrying about winning or losing. I was able to laugh and joke around with my
teammates and friends from other schools.Being able to win at the school where my Grand
Dad, who passed away this past summer, and is in the East High School (now A-E)
Hall of Fame was pretty cool, too.To me
that is the most memorable track meet of my high school career.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
The 2019 KIL.There were four of us who broke 40 in the 300
hurdles. (Kiyontae Warren - 37.43, Gabel Fulford - 38.48, Jackson Bostick
-38.83 & Braden Gaston - 39.75 )It
was one of the fastest 300 hurdle races in the country last season.That was a race for the ages in Knoxville!
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out
the most?
To be
able to help build our Track & Field program at Grace Christian Academy and
to hold multiple school records.However, the biggest accomplishment for me is being able to help and
encourage my younger teammates, allowing them to love the sport that I am so
passionate about.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about
your athletic career in high school?
As a three-sport letterman, I would have
played football and basketball all four years of high school and not just one
year in basketball and football.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Other
than learning the art of hurdling, overcoming injuries during my sophomore year
and learning I had a hairline fracture in one of my vertebrae this past
season.
What will you miss the most?
This
is a tough question because there are many things I will miss.However, the thing I will miss the most are
the friendships I have made over the past five years. They mean more to me than
any medal in the world.To not see and
compete against my friends from other schools will be what I miss the most.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Find
what you are passionate about, what motivates you, and chase after it.Be willing to put in the extra work when no
one else is willing to. Don't be afraid to try new things and never, ever give
up on your dreams, both in track as well as in life.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life
goals overall?
I
have had many coaches throughout high school and the encouragement I received
from each one of them was critical. They helped me understand how to believe in
myself and that I truly can do what I set out to do. Each one of my coaches
helped me learn something new about myself and I would not be the man I am
today without them.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be running track at Carson-Newman
University and am excited to be a part of a team that will compete for
conference and national titles.
Any shoutouts?
I
have to give a shoutout to my Momma and Dad.They have always been there for me during the highs and lows in my
life.They have sacrificed so much for
me.And to all of the teammates who came
before me, have encouraged me, and who continue to be a part of my life outside
of track.
